In the negotiation of a separation agreement, spouses quickly learn that they have different perspectives, needs, and views on the issues before them. Those views may be expressed in intractable terms with hard deadlines, and seemingly impossible to realize. Some of these claims may be demonstrative of fear alone instead of rational careful consideration of

By learning how to decrease the heightened negative emotion family members may feel and express during a conflict, they can redevelop a trusting positive connection. The familial dysfunction may arise from a simple misunderstanding or a perceived slight just the other day or several years ago. It may have festered and is harming their relationship

As my colleague likes to explain if you are in the market to purchase a house will you make an offer to purchase after only looking at the outside of the house from the curb? A separation agreement in Ontario is essentially governed by legislation: the formal requirements, the contents, what defines a breakdown of

With approximately half of the common-law partners and married couples separating, the transition to two households requires more than planning. Ensure interested parties have their voice and that underlying interests are uncovered and financial implications are considered. Gather the facts: If your partner has laid out a plan of action for you to review ask

Part I of Separation Agreements: Avoiding Common Misconceptions Preparing a list of terms to be drafted into a partial or final separation agreement can be an overwhelming task for spouses during this period of transition. Consulting with friends and family who have gone through such a family transition may inadvertently invite some myths and misconceptions into

Preparing a list of terms to be drafted into a partial or final separation agreement can be an overwhelming task for spouses during this period of transition. Consulting with friends and family who have gone through such a family transition may inadvertently invite some myths and misconceptions into the dialogue between spouses. Here are common

Your relationship with your partner living common law or your spouse in a marriage has broken down. From the welfare of the children to your future financial stability to the long-term health of the family business on the line, you decide to seek legal advice. You either have your family law lawyer work with you

When the decision-makers of the family enterprise realize that their domestic relationship is breaking down balancing the family’s transition with the needs of the business is a tough act. Taking a collaborative approach to resolving the legal issues arising at separation bodes well for the ongoing health of the business. Here’s why. Emotional suffering distracts

The wedding is in weeks and the marriage contract needs to be concluded. A copy of the signed separation agreement identifying the size of your equalization payment is needed by the financing institution to qualify for the mortgage for your new home. Whether you are negotiating a prenup agreement, marriage contract, or separation agreement, you

This article was originally published in the Humanities section of the Canadian Medical Association Journal on July 25th, 2016. Regaining momentum In 1994, after 15 years of nonstop, sedentary postsecondary education, I vowed to learn a new sport every winter and every summer. So, in the winter of 2003, I set out to learn indoor

When you get married or enter a common-law relationship, is there a legal obligation to change your surname? A surname is a significant part of our identity. That identity may recall a familial, cultural, or religious heritage, the belonging or association with others, the memory of a special person or event, and an established personal

There is great confusion about common-law partnerships. They are a distinct domestic household union recognized by family law courts including the Supreme Court of Canada. Common-law partnerships are not a subset of being married, however, they share some elements in common. There is no distinction between same-sex or opposite-sex common-law partnerships. From the nationwide 2011